Updated 6.20pm

RORY McILROY HAS parted company with manager Chubby Chandler, it was announced on Friday.

The 22-year-old has been with Chandler’s International Sports Management (ISM) firm since he turned professional four years ago and was in good company with the likes of Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel also on the books.

McIlroy said he was anxious to take the next step in his career and feels that will be achieved with “a fresh view and fresh structure around him” as he joins Dublin-based Horizon Management, who also look after compatriot Graeme McDowell. In a statement, he added:

“I am delighted to be joining Horizon and I look forward to working with my new team.

“Chubby and his team have played a very important role in my success to date. I have made great progress under their management and for that I will always be grateful.”

Chandler wished the Holywood golfer every success, saying in a statement: “It has been an honour representing Rory and we take great pride in the role ISM has played in guiding him successfully through his formative years as a professional golfer.

“Under our management he has grown into an international figure and he leaves us as a major champion.”

He added: “Onward and upwards. We have had a quite brilliant year. The company is growing and adapting to ensure it stays at the forefront of golf and the business of managing players.”

McIlroy was in Bermuda in recent days where he competed against Clarke, Schwartzel and US PGA champion Keegan Bradley at the PGA Grand Slam of golf. He eventually finished third, only ahead of Clarke. Next up for the US Open champion is the Shanghai Masters in China next week.

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